Expanded protocol adapter for in-vehicle networks

ABSTRACT

A protocol adapter for transferring diagnostic signals between a vehicle network and a computer including a vehicle connector, a common connector plate, and a common electronics package. The vehicle connector is interfaced with the vehicle network. The common connector plate is interfaced with the vehicle connector. The common electronics package is interfaced with the common connector plate, and wirelessly transmits the diagnostic signals from the vehicle network to the computer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part which claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/970,042 filed on Oct. 21, 2004 which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/942,130 filed onAug. 29, 2001 which claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No.60/229,008 filed Aug. 30, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a protocol adapter for transferringdiagnostic signals between a vehicle network and a computer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the inclusion of electronic networks on motorized vehicles, it hasbecome necessary to transmit the data from the vehicle network to aremote location. Typically, the vehicle network is interfaced withpersonal computers or PC gateways for data acquisition, computer-basedmeasurement, and automation systems from the vehicle network. However,when hardware components are upgraded, existing software can becomenon-compatible with the upgraded hardware. Manufacturers of varioustools attempted to remedy these compatibility problems by using a box totalk to multiple data links. This was not very satisfactory and a bettersolution to this problem was needed.

Therefore, it is desirable to develop an adapter which is capable ofcommunicating with multiple vehicle protocols and connectors to transmitdiagnostic data from a vehicle network to a host computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a protocol adapter for transferringdiagnostic signals between a vehicle network and a computer including avehicle connector, a common connector, and a common electronics package.The vehicle connector is interfaced with the vehicle network. The commonconnector plate is interfaced with the vehicle connector. The commonelectronics package is interfaced with the common connector plate, andwirelessly transmits diagnostic signals from the vehicle network to thecomputer.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates DPA III Plus CPU board in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates CPU Memory Module in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates Central Processing Unit in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates Device Decoder in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates static RAM Module in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates Flash Memory Module in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates UART in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 illustrates CPU/I/O Interface Connectors in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates Discrete Output Latch in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates Unused Spare Gates in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates DPA I/O Board in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates I/O Interface Connector in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates RS-232 Transceivers in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates Power Supply Regulator in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates 1708 Transceiver in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates J1850 Transceiver in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates LED Indicators in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates CAN Transceiver in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates ATEC to J1708 Bridge in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates Unused Gates in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates LED No. 1 description in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates LED No. 2 description in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates LED No. 3 description in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates LED No. 4 description in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates LED No. 5 description in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 illustrates LED layout diagram in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a protocol adapter in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of a common electronics package inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view of a common electronics package inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

The expanded protocol adapter of the invention supports the followingprotocols:

ATEC;

GMUART;

HALDEX;

J1708;

J1939;

SAE J1850 GM Class 2 protocol;

SAE J1850 Chrysler protocol (future activation supported);

GM Class 1 UART (ALDL) protocol;

ISO 9141-2 protocol;

ISO 9141-1989 protocol;

ISO 9141-Special protocol (for Case Corp.);

SAE J2284, Dual-Wire CAN protocol; and

SAE J2411, Single Wire CAN protocol (future activation supported).

The protocol adapter of the invention includes a special pass-throughmode that allows users to continue utilizing yesterday's in-housesoftware, while communicating with today's hardware. Older softwarepackages such as RP1202 and RP1210 can still be employed. This featureallows users to replace aging hardware with an interface that cansupport existing software. Consequently, users can replace old hardwarewith the protocol adapter of the invention and yet maintaincomputability with their original's software.

The earlier protocol adapter supported SAE J1780, SAE J1939, andControl-Area Networks (CAN). The earlier adapter has a voltage convertermode that supports RS-232-to-RS-485 voltage conversion. The normalRS-232 port allows direct access to the J1708/RS485 link. The protocoladapter of the invention supports the listed prior protocol adapterfeatures, including a library (DLL/VxD for Windows) and on-board flashfor field upgrades. The protocol adapter of the invention also employs apass-through mode which supports communication with “old” softwarepackages (e.g. RP1202 and RP1210(A)).

The protocol adapter of the invention expands functionality and usage ofthe earlier protocol adapter and can be used with a half-slot ISA cardor in a PC-104 card version.

The protocol adapter of the invention employs LED's to indicate statusof the device, which mode of operation, and whether the adapter is incommunication. By way of explanation and not limitation, dual colorLED's are used to indicate which program is being executed by theprotocol adapter. The pass-through ability to emulate other protocoladapters is indicated by a dual color LED to indicate the pass-throughis functioning to emulate other protocol adapters. Beyond the normal useof LED's, eight visual indicators are four dual-color LEDs (red andgreen). Three of the dual-color LEDs serve to notify the user which oneof the six, user-selectable protocols is in use at any given time. Thefourth dual-color LED indicates the mode of operation for the protocoladapter, the DPA III Plus, referred to as “DPA” for normal mode (red) or“PASS” for pass-through mode (green). While operating in thepass-through mode, the protocol adapter additionally supportscommunications with various “older” software packages, such as RP1202 ofRP1210, whereas in the normal mode, such additional support is notprovided. Alternating red/green indicates reflash (reprogramming) is inprogress.

The status of the LEDs indicate to the user the mode of operation forthe device and which of the various protocols is currently active. Themeaning of the LED indicator status will be described below.

It should be noted that earlier protocol adapters support communicationswith “older” protocols, but earlier protocol adapters do not provide anindication to the user as to which mode is being used (normal orpass-through).

Earlier protocol adapters used a single color LED that could only notifythe user that there is RS232 bus activity between the device and the PC.The protocol adapter of the invention uses an LED in the same physicallocation, but a dual-color LED allows indication of which mode is beingused. A red LED is used to indicate when power is applied to the unit.

The protocol adapter incorporates additional functionality forsupporting the Dearborn Programmable Bridge (DPB) software.Compatibility with the DPB software allows this adapter to supporttranslation of messages between any of the protocols currently in use,e.g., SAE J1939 to J1708. The addition of DPB capabilities is integratedinto the functionality of the adapter in such a manner to the make theinclusion of support for these added capabilities transparent to theuser.

The protocol adapter provides rapid access to any supported network byallowing the user to easily switch between protocols. This rapid accessaffords the user with the ability to monitor and translate messagesbetween different protocols at the same time.

An ISA, half-card version and a PC-104 version of the protocol adapterprovide most of the functionality as described herein except for twofunctions. The two functions not supported by the ISA half-card versionand the PC-104 version of the protocol adapter are the pass-through modeof operation and the Dearborn Programmable Bridge (DPB) softwarecompatibility.

The protocol adapter of the invention includes reflashing that allowsthe protocol adapter to be updated with new firmware in the field. Thisis accomplished by U5, U1, U8 and U4, which are shown in the figures. U5(micro) processes a command sent to the protocol adapter by the host. Itthen copies the reflash instructions set (loader program) into RAM (U1)and then transfers control to that program (loader). The loader programresponds to the commands from the host which allows the host computer tothen clear and reprogram the Flash (U4). Once the reprogramming iscomplete, control is passed back to the flash program.

The protocol adapter of the invention has status lights that allow theoperator to determine what program is being executed by a protocoladapter embedded micro. U5 and U10 will flash the LEDs on the I/O boardin a predefined manner at power up to indicate what version of firmwareis being executed.

The protocol adapter of the invention has a pass-through feature(voltage translator)/smart mode that allows the protocol adapter toemulate older boxes. In this mode of operation, the U5 (micro) deliversdata directly form the J1708 Transceiver (U11 of I/O board) to the RS232transceiver (U7 of I/O board) and monitors the data to provide J1708defined timing signals on any or all of the RS232 hardware handshakelines.

The expanded protocol adapter can be used wirelessly to perform ECUfault code interrogation, communication with a remote network, vehiclemaintenance status checks or trip performance data downloads, andimproved asset control, logistics and inventory management, diagnosticsupport, and maintenance/scheduling.

An ISA version of the protocol adapter of the invention is a half slotcard that supports CAN (J1939 and DeviceNet), SAE J1850, and GM UARTprotocols.

The protocol adapter has additional unique features including bankswitching, file upgrade capability, LED status, multiple datalinks,embedded versions, programmable manufacture's name, software locks,asynchronous transmit and receive, programmable timer, and a scratchpad.

For bank switching, memory is swapped in and out of the processor'smemory map to allow multiple programs to be run. For field upgradecapability, non-volatile memory can be programmed in the field to allownew software features to be added in the field. For LED status, LEDs areflashed in a unique sequence at power-up to indicated what version offirmware is being executed. Multiple data links may be supported at thesame time. Firmware and hardware version numbers are available to thehost to allow the host to determine current capabilities. Themanufacturer's name is embedded in FLASH to allow VAR's to put in thename of the VAR's company.

Proprietary software lock/key may be burned into FLASH to allow use ofthe VAR's software. The protocol adapter is capable of receiving andtransmitting asynchronously of host processor and can broadcast ontransmit and filter on receive.

The protocol adapter has a programmable multi-function timer to supportdatalink communications. The scratch pad is a built-in remote accessmemory to allow the host to consolidate message data.

Features of the protocol adapter of the invention are supported forRP1202 and RP1210, J1708 and J1939, and J1939 transport Layer. Theprotocol adapter has a Real Time Clock, Standard COMM port connection,7-32 Volt Supply and is CE compliant.

Now turning to the drawings, the circuits of the protocol adapter of theinvention are shown in FIGS. 1 through 20.

The pass through/smart mode is U11 (shown on FIG. 8) and is controlledby U5 (shown on FIG. 3) to determine if the host PC is listening to theJ1708 link, or if the host PC is wanting to have a slave session withthe DPA (diagnostic tool).

The U5 micro (FIG. 3) at power up will flash LEDs 2, 3, 4, and 5 (FIG.26) to allow the operator to know what version of software is runninginside the protocol adapter or diagnostic tool (DPA).

Now turning to FIGS. 21 through 25, the LED descriptions are thereshownwith the LED diagram shown in FIG. 26.

In reference to FIGS. 27-29, the protocol adapter for transferringdiagnostic signals is generally shown at 10. The protocol adapter 10transfers the diagnostic signals between a vehicle network 12 and a hostcomputer 14. A vehicle connector assembly generally indicated at 16 isinterfaced with the vehicle network 12. The vehicle connector assembly16 includes a vehicle connector 18 that is interfaced with the vehiclenetwork 12. The vehicle connector assembly 16 also includes a commonconnector plate 20 that is interfaced with the vehicle connector 18.Thus, the vehicle connector assembly 16 mates or connects a specificvehicle connector 18 with the common connector plate 20. A commonelectronics package generally indicated at 22 is interfaced with thecommon connector plate 20, and the common electronics package 22wirelessly transmits the diagnostic signals from the vehicle network 12to the host computer 14. Typically, the common electronics package 22has a plurality of pads 23 which connect to the common connector platein order for the common connector plate 20 to communicate with thecommon electronics package 22.

As stated above, the protocol adapter 10 is capable of monitoring andtranslating multiple protocols that are used in the vehicle network 12.Thus, the common electronics package 22 determines a protocol of thevehicle network 12 that is being used. By way of explanation and notlimitation, the common electronics package 22 determines the protocol byusing a control logic which identifies the protocol or based upon thetype of vehicle connector 18 that is being used since specific types ofvehicle connectors 18 are typically used with a limited number ofprotocols. Additionally, the common electronics package 22 receivesmultiple protocols from the vehicle network 12 simultaneously. Further,the protocol adapter 10 is capable of monitoring and translatingmultiple protocols from the vehicle network 12 simultaneously.

The common connector plate 20 typically includes a plurality of pinswhich are accepted by the vehicle connector 18. Thus, when the commonelectronics package 22 determines what type of vehicle network 12 it isinterfaced with and the type of vehicle connector 18 that is being used,the common electronics package 22 commands the common connector plate 20to interface with the vehicle connector 18 using selected pins from theplurality of pins of the common connector plate 20.

The common electronics package 22 transmits the diagnostic signals tothe host computer 14 using a selected wireless protocol. Typically, thecommon electronics package 22 is capable of transmitting signals in aplurality of wireless protocols, but a single wireless protocol isselected for transmitting the diagnostic signal based upon, among otherthings, the host computer 14 and the type of signal desired by the user.Thus, the host computer 14 can directly receive the wireless signal fromthe common electronics package 22 or can include a separate receiverthat is interfaced with the host computer 14 by, but not limited to, aserial port, a USB port, or the like. By way of explanation and notlimitation, the wireless protocol can be IEEE 802.15.1, Bluetooth, IEEE802.15.4, Zigbee, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, or the like.

Alternatively, the common electronics package 22 is enclosed in ahousing 24 or sealed in order to protect the common electronics package22 from environmental elements, such as but not limited to, rain, snow,sleet, or the like. By having the common electronics package 22 enclosedin the housing 24, the common electronics package 22 can be permanentlyconnected to the vehicle network 12 and does not have to be connectedand disconnected between uses. The common electronics package 22 canalso include LEDs 26 for indicating the operation mode of the commonelectronics package 22. By way of explanation and not limitation, theLEDs can be used to show that the common electronics package is powered,the type of wireless signal that is being transmitted, and the speed ofthe common electronics package 22 is operating. As stated above, theLEDs can be bi-colored to show different operation modes of the protocoladapter 10.

The common electronics package 22 can also include a reset switch 28. Byway of explanation and not limitation, the reset switch 28 is acoin-switch which has two metal conductors. Thus, by sliding anelectrically conducting object, such as but not limited to, a coin orthe like, through a slot and connecting the two metal conductors, shortsthe two contacts and closes the switch. By closing the reset switch 28,the common electronics package 22 is reset. By having such a resetswitch 28, the housing 24 continues to be sealed while the commonelectronics package 22 can be reset.

By way of explanation and not limitation, the vehicle connector 18 is a9-Pin Deutsch, 6-Pin Deutsch, 4-Pin Haldex, 6-Pin General MotorsUniversal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (“GMUART”), Assembly LineDiagnostic Link (“ALDL”), or the like. By way of explanation and notlimitation, the common electronics package 22 supports a plurality ofprotocols, such as Allision Transmission Electronic Control (“ATEC”),GMUART, Haldex Traction Systems (“HALDEX”), made by Haldex Traction ABBox 505, SE-261 Landskrona, Sweden, J1708, J1939, SAE J1850 GM Class 2,SAE J1850 Chrysler, GM Class 1 UART (ALDL), ISO 9141-2, ISO 9141-1989,ISO 9141-Special protocol, SAE J2284, Dual Wire CAN protocol, SAE J2411,Single Wire CAN protocol, or the like.

It is beneficial to have a protocol adapter with a common electronicspackage 22 and common connector plate 20 because there is only a singleproduct that supports all vehicle networks 12. Thus, this reduces themanufacturing costs of the number of spare parts that must be stocked.For example, since the common electronics package 22 is separate fromthe vehicle connector assembly 16, a lesser number of common electronicspackages 22 needs to be stocked when compared to the vehicle connectorassembly 16 which vary depending upon the vehicle.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and,thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention areintended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations arenot to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A protocol adapter for transferring diagnostic signals between avehicle network and a computer comprising; a vehicle connectorinterfaced with said vehicle network; a common connector plateinterfaced with said vehicle connector; and a common electronics packageinterfaced with said common connector plate, wherein said commonelectronics package wirelessly transmits said diagnostic signals fromsaid vehicle network to said computer.
 2. The protocol adapter of claim1, wherein said common electronics package determines a protocol of saidvehicle network that is being used.
 3. The protocol adapter of claim 3,wherein said common electronics package receives multiple said protocolsof said vehicle network simultaneously.
 4. The protocol adapter of claim1 further comprising a plurality of pins on said common connector plate,wherein said plurality of pins are accepted by said vehicle connector.5. The protocol adapter of claim 4, wherein said common electronicspackage commands said common connector plate to communicate with saidvehicle network using selected said plurality of pins based upon saidvehicle connector.
 6. The protocol adapter of claim 1, wherein saidcommon electronics package transmits said diagnostic signals in aselected wireless protocol.
 7. The protocol adapter of claim 1 furthercomprising a housing, wherein said common electronics package isenclosed in said housing.
 8. The protocol adapter of claim 1, whereinsaid common electronics package further comprises at least one lightemitting diode (LED) for indicating the operation mode of said commonelectronics package.
 9. The protocol adapter of claim 1, wherein saidcommon electronics package further comprises a reset switch.
 10. Theprotocol adapter of claim 1, wherein said vehicle connector is one of agroup consisting of: 9-Pin Deutsch; 6-Pin Deutsch; 4-Pin Haldex; 6-PinGMUART; and ALDL.
 11. The protocol adapter of claim 1, wherein saidcommon electronics package supports a plurality of protocols selectedfrom a group consisting of: ATEC; GMUART; HALDEX; J1708; J1939; SAEJ1850 GM CLASS; SAE J1850 Chrysler; GM Class 1 UART (ALDL); ISO 9141-2;ISO 9141-1989; ISO 9141; SAE J2284, Dual-Wire CAN; and SAE J2411, SingleWire CAN.
 12. A protocol adapter for transferring diagnostic signalsbetween a vehicle network and a computer comprising; a vehicle connectorinterfaced with said vehicle network; a common connector plate having aplurality of pins accepted by said vehicle connector; a commonelectronics package interfaced with said common connector plate, whereinsaid common electronics package has a reset switch and wirelesslytransmits said diagnostic signals from said vehicle network to saidcomputer; and a housing, wherein said common electronics package isenclosed in said housing.
 13. The protocol adapter of claim 12, whereinsaid common electronics package determines a protocol of said vehiclenetwork that is being used.
 14. The protocol adapter of claim 13,wherein said common electronics package receives multiple said protocolsof said vehicle network simultaneously.
 15. The protocol adapter ofclaim 12, wherein said common electronics package commands said commonconnector plate to communicate with said vehicle network using selectedsaid plurality of pins based upon said vehicle connector.
 16. Theprotocol adapter of claim 12, wherein said common electronics packagetransmits said diagnostic signals in a selected wireless protocol. 17.The protocol adapter of claim 12, wherein said common electronicspackage further comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED) forindicating the operation mode of said common electronics package. 18.The protocol adapter of claim 12, wherein said vehicle connector is oneof a group consisting of: 9-Pin Deutsch; 6-Pin Deutsch; 4-Pin Haldex;6-Pin GMUART; and ALDL.
 19. The protocol adapter of claim 12, whereinsaid common electronics package supports a plurality of protocolsselected from a group consisting of: ATEC; GMUART; HALDEX; J1708; J1939;SAE J1850 GM CLASS; SAE J1850 Chrysler; GM Class 1 UART (ALDL); ISO9141-2; ISO 9141-1989; ISO 9141; SAE J2284, Dual-Wire CAN; and SAEJ2411, Single Wire CAN.
 20. A protocol adapter for transferringdiagnostic signals between a vehicle network and a computer comprising;a vehicle connector interfaced with said vehicle network; a commonconnector plate having a plurality of pins accepted by said vehicleconnector; a common electronics package interfaced with said commonconnector plate, wherein said common electronics package has a resetswitch, wirelessly transmits said diagnostic signals from said vehiclenetwork to said computer in a selected wireless protocol, and commandssaid common connector plate to communicate with said vehicle networkusing selected plurality of pins; at least one light emitting diode onsaid common electronics package for indicating the operation mode ofsaid common electronics package; and a housing, wherein said commonelectronics package is enclosed in said housing.
 21. The protocoladapter of claim 20, wherein said common electronics package determinesa protocol of said vehicle network that is being used.
 22. The protocoladapter of claim 21, wherein said common electronics package receivesmultiple said protocols of said vehicle network simultaneously.
 23. Theprotocol adapter of claim 20, wherein said vehicle connector is one of agroup consisting of: 9-Pin Deutsch; 6-Pin Deutsch; 4-Pin Haldex; 6-PinGMUART; and ALDL.
 24. The protocol adapter of claim 20, wherein saidcommon electronics package supports a plurality of protocols selectedfrom a group consisting of: ATEC; GMUART; HALDEX; J1708; J1939; SAEJ1850 GM CLASS; SAE J1850 Chrysler; GM Class 1 UART (ALDL); ISO 9141-2;ISO 9141-1989; ISO 9141; SAE J2284, Dual-Wire CAN; and SAE J2411, SingleWire CAN.